The Monk Who Built a Media Empire

The Monk Who Built a Media Empire

In 2013, a young man named Jay Shetty sat in his childhood bedroom, surrounded by rejection letters and burdened with student debt. He had just graduated from university, but his impressive academic record meant little to employers who didn’t know what to make of the time he’d spent as a monk. With over $25,000 in loans and no job prospects, Shetty questioned whether the path he’d chosen had been worth it.

“I was back living with my parents, watching my peers advance in their careers while I had nothing to show for my efforts,” he recalls. “It was a humbling experience that forced me to reframe how I thought about success.”

What followed was not a swift rise to fame but a period of quiet resilience. Shetty turned to libraries, meditation, and self-reflection. He refused to let frustration consume him. Instead, he channeled his energy into deepening his understanding of human behavior and purpose — themes that would later become the foundation of his global influence.

From Corporate Doubt to Spiritual Calling

Shetty’s journey to monkhood was not planned. While studying at Cass Business School in London, he received an unexpected invitation to attend a talk by a Hindu monk. That single event shifted the trajectory of his life.

“I went expecting to hear a short speech,” he says. “Instead, I left with a new sense of direction.”

Over the next few years, he began spending his breaks in India, learning from monks and immersing himself in ancient wisdom traditions. After graduation, rather than pursuing a conventional corporate role, he made a bold decision: to shave his head, don simple robes, and live as a monk in the foothills of the Himalayas.

That three-year period wasn’t just about spiritual enlightenment — it was an intensive education in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and human connection. It was also where Shetty first learned how to communicate complex philosophical ideas in simple, relatable terms.

Building a Platform Rooted in Purpose

Upon returning to the UK, Shetty faced the challenge of reintegrating into society. Despite his unique background, he struggled to find his footing professionally. It wasn’t until he began creating content online that his message truly resonated with a global audience.

“I realized that storytelling was my bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life,” he explains. “People didn’t just want inspiration — they wanted practical tools to navigate stress, relationships, and ambition.”

Shetty began sharing short videos on social media, distilling insights from his monastic experience into digestible life lessons. His calm demeanor and clear messaging quickly caught the attention of millions. Brands, publishers, and media companies soon came knocking.

But success didn’t happen overnight. It took persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve. “Early on, I didn’t know if this would work,” he admits. “I just knew that what I had learned needed to be shared.”

Redefining Success in a Digital Age

For many, success is measured in financial gain or public recognition. But Shetty’s definition is more nuanced. During his time as a monk, he was taught that true success lies in self-awareness and service to others.

“That experience changed how I evaluate my impact,” he says. “It’s not about how many followers I have or how many books I sell — it’s about whether my work genuinely helps people grow.”

This philosophy underpins everything he does. From his viral social media clips to his bestselling books Think Like a Monk and 8 Rules of Love, Shetty’s content is designed to provide actionable insights that empower individuals to lead more intentional lives.

He has also expanded his reach through the On Purpose podcast, which has become a staple for millions seeking guidance on personal growth and mental wellness. Featuring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, and everyday people, the show reinforces his belief that wisdom can come from anywhere — and that everyone has a story worth sharing.

Leading with Intention in Business and Life

As Chief Purpose Officer at Calm, one of the world’s leading mental health and wellness platforms, Shetty continues to shape how mindfulness is integrated into modern life. In this role, he bridges the gap between ancient practices and digital innovation, ensuring that mental wellness remains accessible and relevant.

“Technology isn’t the enemy of mindfulness,” he says. “It’s how we use it that matters.”

Under his leadership, Calm has developed programs that help users cultivate emotional resilience, improve focus, and foster deeper connections. His approach emphasizes consistency over perfection — a principle that resonates with busy professionals and parents alike.

Shetty’s influence extends beyond content creation. In 2025, he delivered the Class Day Commencement Speech at Princeton University, where he encouraged graduates to define success on their own terms. His message struck a chord with students navigating the pressures of early adulthood.

“Don’t let society’s metrics become your metrics,” he told them. “Success is personal. It’s about growth, contribution, and staying true to your values.”

A Movement, Not Just a Brand

Today, Shetty’s work reaches over 70 million people each month. But for him, the numbers are secondary to the impact. Whether he’s speaking to a college student, a military veteran, a working parent, or a healthcare professional, his goal remains the same: to offer clarity in chaos and inspire meaningful change.

“I’ve learned that people don’t just want to hear what to do — they want to understand why it matters,” he says. “When you lead with purpose, everything else falls into place.”

His story also serves as a reminder that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities to reassess and realign. “That time of uncertainty taught me more than any job ever could,” he reflects. “It showed me that success isn’t about avoiding struggle — it’s about growing through it.”

The Future of Purpose-Driven Leadership

As Shetty looks ahead, he remains committed to expanding access to mental wellness and personal development. He is currently working on new initiatives that aim to bring mindfulness tools to underserved communities, particularly among young people and frontline workers.

“What I’ve realized is that we all carry stress, but not everyone has the resources to manage it,” he says. “If my platform can help level that playing field, then I’m fulfilling my purpose.”

He also continues to evolve as a storyteller, exploring new formats and collaborations that push the boundaries of how wisdom is shared. From live events to immersive digital experiences, Shetty is determined to meet people where they are — both figuratively and literally.

A Legacy Built on Service

Jay Shetty’s transformation from an uncertain graduate to a global thought leader is a testament to the power of purpose. He didn’t follow a traditional path to success, nor did he wait for permission to make an impact. Instead, he trusted his instincts, leaned into his unique background, and created a movement rooted in mindfulness and service.

His story challenges the notion that success must be loud or flashy. In a world obsessed with metrics and milestones, Shetty’s quiet leadership offers a refreshing alternative — one that prioritizes inner growth, authentic connection, and lasting contribution.

“I didn’t set out to build an empire,” he says. “I just wanted to share what I’d learned. That intention, more than anything, is what’s driven my journey.”

In the end, it’s not just about the empire — it’s about the lives he’s touched along the way. And for a former monk who once felt lost, that may be the greatest success of all.